06.06.2025
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Tributes pour in for slain IFP MP KP Sithole

6 mins



  • The late Deputy Chief Whip in Parliament, Khethamabala Petros “KP” Sithole

3 minutes

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has sent its condolences to the family of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Member of Parliament (MP) and Deputy Chief Whip Khethamabala Petros Sithole. Sithole was attacked and killed in Katlehong on Gauteng’s East Rand on Saturday night.

Sithole served on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies.

SABC Board Chairperson Khathutshelo Ramukumba has remembered Sithole as a valuable member of the committee and played a key role in championing the transformation and sustainability of the SABC.

Ramukumba has sent her condolences to Sithole’s family, saying his expertise, knowledge and advice on the role of the SABC as a public broadcaster will be missed.

Meanwhile, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has also paid tribute to the slain IFP MP. The minister, who is a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA), has remembered Sithole as a calm and principled voice in the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies in Parliament.

Minister Malatsi says Sithole was passionate about connecting rural areas to high-speed internet and service delivery in general. The Minister has extended his condolences to Sithole’s family as well as the IFP and those who worked with him.

Parliament’s Presiding Officers have also expressed their shock and sadness following the killing of Sithole.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chair Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane have said Sithole was more than just a party representative – he was also a unifying figure. They say Sithole played a key role in the Chief Whips Forum and was also an active participant in the National Assembly Programming Committee.

Spokesperson of Parliament, Moloto Mothapo, says South Africa has lost a true patriot and servant of the people.

 “Since joining the National Assembly in 2010, he has served with distinction, playing a vital role in shaping Parliament’s legislative agenda and oversight work. Hon. Sithole was admired across party lines for his calm demeanour, integrity and unwavering commitment to justice and democratic ideals. The presiding officers of parliament strongly condemn this heinous act and call for swift justice. Parliament extends heartfelt condolences to the Sithole family, the IFP and all who served with him.”

The African National Congress (ANC) is also mourning the passing of Sithole. The party has condemned the attack and has called for urgent intervention by law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The ANC says Sithole earned the respect of colleagues across the political spectrum and remembers him for his unwavering commitment to peace, reconciliation, and the transformation of apartheid-era hostels.

The ANC has called him a man of dignity and dialogue, who consistently worked to strengthen ANC–IFP relations, often reaching across political divides in pursuit of the greater good. The party has extended condolences to Sithole’s family as well as the IFP and those mourning his loss.

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